how to care about dogs
Background
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are sociable pets known for their loyalty and companionship. Their natural instincts as pack animals often lead to owners viewing their dogs as part of the family and many breeds make ideal child-friendly pets.
Appearance
Dogs differ in size and appearance from the smallest breed being a Chihuahua to the largest breed being a Great Dane. Some breeds of dogs have long coats, whilst others, such as the Chinese Crested are hairless.
Behaviour
Dogs are very sociable pets, but their personality and behaviour often differs from breed to breed. It’s advisable to do your research when you’re thinking about buying a dog.
Lifespan
The lifespan of dogs depends on the breed; large breeds can live for approximately 5 years, while small breeds can life for up to 15 years.
CARING FOR A DOG
Nutrition
Dogs’ nutritional requirements change according to their lifestage, with puppies, adults and senior dogs all having different nutritional requirements. Home-prepared diets are complex and need to be balanced correctly. Feeding a commercial ‘complete’ diet provides all the nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions. So-called ‘lifestage’ diets are available which cater for the specific needs of puppies, adult and older dogs.
Fleas
Most dogs suffer from flea infestation at some point in their lives and while there may be no symptoms at all, the most common symptom to look out for is scratching or chewing most commonly at the tail-base and lower back. Close inspection may reveal either small black insects or more likely the small, black flea faeces, which are passed through the insect after sucking blood from dogs. Flea faeces can be identified by brushing your pet’s coat with a fine-toothed comb and placing the debris you collect on a piece of white paper. Flea faeces will dissolve in water to produce brown/red swirls on the paper.
The adult fleas you may see on your pet are only the tip of the iceberg - 95% of the problem exists as eggs, larvae and pupae in the home. Also if your dog lives with a cat it's a good idea to treat it at the same time! Your vet, country store, pet shop or pharmacist will be able to advise you on an effective approach to flea control and treatment which should involve treating both your pet and your home for fleas.
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are sociable pets known for their loyalty and companionship. Their natural instincts as pack animals often lead to owners viewing their dogs as part of the family and many breeds make ideal child-friendly pets.
Appearance
Dogs differ in size and appearance from the smallest breed being a Chihuahua to the largest breed being a Great Dane. Some breeds of dogs have long coats, whilst others, such as the Chinese Crested are hairless.
Behaviour
Dogs are very sociable pets, but their personality and behaviour often differs from breed to breed. It’s advisable to do your research when you’re thinking about buying a dog.
Lifespan
The lifespan of dogs depends on the breed; large breeds can live for approximately 5 years, while small breeds can life for up to 15 years.
CARING FOR A DOG
Nutrition
Dogs’ nutritional requirements change according to their lifestage, with puppies, adults and senior dogs all having different nutritional requirements. Home-prepared diets are complex and need to be balanced correctly. Feeding a commercial ‘complete’ diet provides all the nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions. So-called ‘lifestage’ diets are available which cater for the specific needs of puppies, adult and older dogs.
Fleas
Most dogs suffer from flea infestation at some point in their lives and while there may be no symptoms at all, the most common symptom to look out for is scratching or chewing most commonly at the tail-base and lower back. Close inspection may reveal either small black insects or more likely the small, black flea faeces, which are passed through the insect after sucking blood from dogs. Flea faeces can be identified by brushing your pet’s coat with a fine-toothed comb and placing the debris you collect on a piece of white paper. Flea faeces will dissolve in water to produce brown/red swirls on the paper.
The adult fleas you may see on your pet are only the tip of the iceberg - 95% of the problem exists as eggs, larvae and pupae in the home. Also if your dog lives with a cat it's a good idea to treat it at the same time! Your vet, country store, pet shop or pharmacist will be able to advise you on an effective approach to flea control and treatment which should involve treating both your pet and your home for fleas.